71 4x4 BBC Swap: Doing what I should have done the first time!

[mtharleydavidson]

I have GM Aluminum Head Part#12363390 which is an oval port head.

[mtharleydavidson]

I was looking at 2457HKR as well. Looks like it may have nice stacking. Also a few inches shorter on the collector.http://www.holley.com/2457HKR.asp

What do you think?

[mtharleydavidson]

The only thing on the 2457's that concerns me is the passenger pipe closest to the FW crosses fully over the # 3 pipe...

[Chevy1TonFun]

The one thing I have learned about headers if the flange shape doesn't match the exhaust port then it will be more prone to leak. Your heads have square cylinder head ports. I would recommend your headers have square openings at the flange instead of round. According to Summit Racing the 2457HKR have round cylinder head ports. I most had to go with square for sure, because my heads were ported and polished. I hope this helps and isn't confusing. We might was to ask about the square vs. round ports to get further clarification.

[mtharleydavidson]

Been a while since I had any updates. First off, you were spot on with the Header selection... The 2455HKR fit very nicely, but will require that the engine be raised a bit in the mounts to clear on the drivers side. For me, a 1" lift will solve all my problems. This will allow clearance of the frame rails and clearance in the oil pan. I called Kert at DIY4X and they are fabricating new engine mounts for me that simply add 1" of height to the existing mounts. Should be a simple fix.

I did have a couple of modifications I needed to do to the headers. My 502 BB has ARP head bolts that are pretty tall, so I had to notch the header flanges a bit to clear the lower head bolts. It was either that or use different head bolts but I had a hard time time finding low clearance bolts better than grade 8. I also shortened the collectors about 4" as they were getting pretty close to the T-Case crossmember and I was concerned about the exhaust. passenger side. I added some pics to hopefully show what I am up to... BTW the 2817HKR's were a bag of hurt...

[msgross]

that's cool that he is making a new mount... looks like you could have also lowered the top bolt (where it mount to the frame bracket) an inch... that would have moved the entire piece up an inch...

[Wildstreak]

nice looking truck mtharleydavidson. you should grab a hoist load leveler at harbor freight or any auto store really, there only 30-40$ and make installing an engine so much easier.


any update on the build Ridin' High

[onlyifihadachevy]

Hey, I got a question since you had to move the motor forward, that means you had to drill new holes for the tranny crossmember right? Going to start my swap tomorrow.

[Chevy1TonFun]

Originally Posted by onlyifihadachevy

Hey, I got a question since you had to move the motor forward, that means you had to drill new holes for the tranny crossmember right? Going to start my swap tomorrow.

Yep the frame got some new holes. After all this is done, I will be filling in all the unused hole in the frame to prep for powder coating. I just finished installing my new trans crossmember today I'll try to get some pictures up some. I made some major progress. I almost started the motor today, but the clouds decided to start raining on my parade.

mtharleydavidson your build looks really good. I wish I had a nice shop to work in. Just be aware that when I moved my bracketry up, I had to move the frame channel bracket inward to the frame. Just a heads up on the geometry. Hopefully everything is perfect on your new setup coming for Kurt. Glad I could pay it forward.

[mtharleydavidson]

Hey folks, I wanted to show the new engine mounts Kert fab'd for me. They give me exactly 1" of additional height over the original DIY4X mounts. They are nice and solved my issues. Notice the additional room between the Oil pan and the CM.

Also note. I moved my engine 3" forward but also put a TH400 in place of the stock TH350. Because the TH400 is longer, I did not have to modify in any way my transfer case cm or drivelines. For what its worth...

Cheers!

[Chevy1TonFun]

Awesome glad to hear everything worked out.

[Chevy1TonFun]

Well I should be starting the motor this afternoon. Was finally able to buy my torque converter and a few other little things. I need to finish wiring up some things before driving her down the street but I'll dig out the video camera so I can post a video for ya'll to see her shake the neighborhood. I'll post the completed motor pics soon. 15 months and counting since the last time I drove her... thats too long, lol.

[onlyifihadachevy]

Good luck, on starting it today.

[Chevy1TonFun]

So I was able to start her up today. I will post the video later. I do have some issues to take care of. I have alt. run on, which I need help with. I know I need to install a diode at the alt. plug, just don't know which way its needs to be installed. Also need to check for missing cylinders. I don't think my spark plug wires are grabbing the spark plug. I bought new wire that had straight end for the plug side instead of 90 degree. see if that helps. Other than that she sounded AWESOME!. more info pics, videos to follow.

[onlyifihadachevy]

I can't wait to see the video.

[Chevy1TonFun]

ok so she over heating before I can even break-in the cam. I have a stock 4 core radiator that has already been tanked and cleaned up. Any ideas?

[onlyifihadachevy]

Fan shroud, my truck over heats because the fan doesn't push enough air. Thermostat staying closed and not opening once at operating temp. No antifreeze, it may help it raise the boiling temp and allow to cool faster.

Did you fill the radiator when running to try and get all the air out? MAy want to ask in the engine or racing section they may know some tricks to keep them cool.



O forget the shroud you have electric, and they spinning? I friends connection was a little loose and we found that the fans were not on?

[Burt4x4]

If not the cooling system then Air fuel Mix or timing? My 454 stays cool with the 4core & electric fans..??
Thermostat open up?

[onlyifihadachevy]

Found out anything on your problem yet?

[Chevy1TonFun]

I haven't had time to look over the truck. Thinking about it today, I might have been dumb. I don't have the the small hose that goes from the intake to the water pump. I think that might be part of the over heating problem. The bigger problem is that I am leaving on the 8th of Apr to Travis AFB in Fairfield, CA. I am attend a Air Force training course for 6 wks. So, no truck for a long 6 weeks. I was really hoping to have it finished and drive it there. Oh well. What do you all think about the intake hose.

[onlyifihadachevy]

I thought that hose can be blocked off and is just for ac if you want to use it.

[Chevy1TonFun]

Right, on a BBC there are 3 hoses. Two heater hoses one off the water pump and second off the intake. Then there is a third that goes between the water pump and intake, its the small elbow hose. Is this a must have hose?

[Burt4x4]

Napa sells the little hose

[Chevy1TonFun]

Update:

So I ordered two new electric fans and installed my bypass hose. I hope to finish the little bit of wiring so I can freakin drive my baby. To see my new addition check out my new thread. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=404201

[Chevy1TonFun]

Finally drove my baby after a year and a half of hard work and lots of $$$. I still have some loose ends to finished, but I drove her. I have some wiring to finish and need to install a speedo cable. That will finish up the motor build. I can move on the next task on the todo list. I'll try to get a video made up soon for you guys.